Leadership and Organization

The UC Bearcat Bands is comprised of several support groups which help maintain, lead, and sustain the band program at the University of Cincinnati. These are the directors, staff, drum majors, section leaders, UC Band Council, and honorary fraternal organizations. Each branch of our band organization serves a specific role in preserving over 90 years of continued band excellence. The UC Band is an exceptional organization in that it provides many opportunities for student initiative and leadership within the band.

The Drum Major is the direct agent of the band director and is the highest-ranking student in the organization. Multiple Drum Majors are in turn ranked by the director. The primary responsibility is to conduct designated rehearsals and performances. The Drum Major relays any information: rehearsals, performances and schedules to the band. The Drum Major is the primary student representative of the band. Information from the band should be collected by the Drum Majors and relayed to the band director. The Drum Major is also the principle contact for the director. The director informs the Drum Major of any information necessary and they in turn contact officers, section leaders, etc. (WTLB 2010)

Each section of the band is comprised of one or more section and squad leaders. The duties of a section leader shall include, but may not be limited to the following: conduct, communication, attendance, music, drill, inspections, cooperation, and compliance. Section leaders report to the drum majors and are typically most active during marching season. Section leaders lead weekly sectionals and maintain the communication and traditions within the band’s individual sections.

Band Council and Appointed Officers

The UC Band Council is comprised of both an elected executive council and appointed officers (these offices are listed below). The executive council is elected by the voting members of the band each year and is charged with the governance of the student leadership of the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands. The elected council heads up social aspects of the band program in addition to collecting band dues, minor fundraising, band recruiting and promotion, publishing newsletters, organizing awards, and maintaining its history and traditions. The appointed officers are charged with more maintenance related duties such as cleaning the band room and keeping track of the band instruments and locker system.

Elected Offices:

President: Benjamin Trubach

Preside over all meetings

Serve as the official liaison between the UC Bearcat Bands and all support organizations

Make announcements at the conclusion of all meetings and rehearsals

Serve as the official spokesman of the UC Bearcat Bands

Vice President: Harley Rider

Develop the leadership and musicianship of the band

Oversee regular operations of Band Council

Evaluate other officers

Chair the Development Committee

Secretary-Treasurer: Ashley Lengel

Produce and maintain a directory of band members

Record the minutes of all meetings and take attendance

Maintain the financial accounts of the band and collect outstanding dues

Organize band fundraisers

Submit a report at the end of each semester detailing financial activity

Chair the Finance Committee

Public Relations Coordinator: Nicole Price

Monitor and maintain public image and Internet presence of the band

Coordinate activities to assist in recruitment, on- and off-campus

Coordinate promotion of the band, including distributing advertisements and other forms of public communication

Synchronize all prospective member contact information with the Director’s office

Chair the Public Relations Committee

Internal Relations Coordinator: Hannah Lewallen

Responsible for member satisfaction and retention

Arrange social functions including community service, Band Informal and Formal

Coordinate a mentorship program pairing new members with returning members

Administer awards to band members where appropriate

Coordinate availability of band merchandise and apparel

Coordinate homestays during summer camps

Chair the Internal Relations Committee

Publications Editor: Hayley Drewyor

Produce and distribute a regular band newsletter containing various updates

Design advertisements, posters, brochures, and other documents needed by the band

Assist with the productions of the band handbook, Words to Live by

Compile a presentation of the bands travels, events, performances and other activities

Chair the Publications Committee

Historian: Dan Hethcox

Maintain the history and traditions and all records, including constitution, bylaws, etc. of the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands

Serve as photographer and document the band's events, performances, band camps, and travel events

Coordinate the production of the band handbook, Words to Live By

Coordinate a program to familiarize members with the history and traditions of the band

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are each an honorary service fraternity and sorority (respectively) designed to support college bands and the community in which they operate. The chapters of these organizations at the University of Cincinnati are the Upsilon and Theta chapters.
The brothers of the Upsilon Chapter work throughout the year to provide the Bearcat Bands with equipment, instruments, financial support, physical maintenance, technological expertise, and services for all members. In addition to supporting the Bearcat Bands, Upsilon also reaches out to the musical community to lend a helping hand when opportunities present themselves.
Likewise, the sisters of the Theta Chapter work throughout the year to provide the Bearcat Bands with equipment, instruments, financial support, and services for all members. In addition to supporting the Bearcat Bands, Theta also proactively seeks out ways to help the community as it relates to music.